TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State football team wrapped up its first week of spring by donning full pads for practice on Thursday at the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility. The Seminoles will be off next week for spring break before returning to practice on March 20.

“We got our first padded practice in, guys were getting after it pretty good,” head coach Jimbo Fisher said. “It was a pretty physical practice. Guys are (still learning), but you saw a lot of flashes in their abilities. Some of the older guys stepping up and getting back in to play with first day we had some real playing.”

Full pads meant a tougher, more physical practice and redshirt junior tight end Ryan Izzo felt right at home.

The Highlands, N.J., has built a reputation as an all-around tight end whose work ethic and attitude have him emerging as a leader for the 2017 Noles.

“There may not be as dependable and reliable of a player as we have on our team right there, I’m telling you,” Fisher said. “Top to bottom doing everything right, being a good guy, going to school, doing well, playing hard, practicing hard, and he has really turned in to a good football player.”

Izzo developed into one of the ACC’s top tight ends in 2016 as he finished with 19 receptions for 227 yards and one touchdown, while proving to be a tremendous blocker.

For his career, the 6-5, 245-pounder has totaled 34 receptions for 444 yards (13.1 ypc) and three touchdowns over 27 games.

Noles Finish in Top 25 Every Year under Fisher

Florida State has finished in the Top 25 of the final AP Poll every season under head coach Jimbo Fisher – since 2010. The Seminoles have finished ranked in the Top 10 in four of the last five years, as well.

Alabama is the only other school to be ranked in the final AP Top 25 each year since 2010.